The Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe: Fresh and Zesty Delight

Crafting the perfect classic chicken salad requires more than just mixing ingredients together.

Every home cook knows the magic lies in balancing flavors and textures.

Tender chunks of juicy chicken blend harmoniously with crisp celery and smooth mayonnaise.

Creamy yet light, this dish brings comfort and nostalgia to your table.

Simple seasonings like fresh dill and a hint of black pepper create depth and excitement.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in transforming an ordinary lunch into something memorable.

You’ll find this recipe becomes a go-to favorite that impresses without complicated techniques.

Dive into this delightful classic that promises to satisfy your midday hunger.

Best Pairings for Classic Chicken Salad

• Elevate Creamy Chicken Salad Pairings
• Complement Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio provide refreshing acidity that cuts through the creamy dressing, balancing the chicken salad's rich texture.
• Match Crunchy Side Companions: Serve with kettle-cooked potato chips or homemade herb-seasoned crackers to add delightful textural contrast and salty crunch alongside the smooth salad.
• Design Perfect Bread Partners: Opt for toasted sourdough, buttery croissants, or light ciabatta rolls that hold up well without overwhelming the delicate chicken and herb flavors.
• Suggest Fresh Herbal Accompaniments: Pair with mixed green salad featuring cucumber and light vinaigrette to introduce brightness and provide a cool, crisp counterpoint to the creamy chicken mixture.

Creative Variations of Classic Chicken Salad

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: Replace bread or crackers with large lettuce leaves for a lighter, carb-free version of the chicken salad.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or mashed avocado to create a creamy dressing without dairy.
• Vegan Protein Option: Substitute chicken with diced firm tofu or chickpeas, using plant-based mayo for a completely vegetarian adaptation.
• Keto-Friendly Remix: Use chopped cucumber instead of celery, add extra herbs like dill, and increase healthy fats by mixing in chopped almonds or sunflower seeds.

FAQs

• Is chicken salad healthy?

Chicken salad can be nutritious when made with lean chicken, Greek yogurt instead of full-fat mayo, and loaded with fresh vegetables. It provides protein, vitamins, and minerals while being relatively low in calories.

• Can I use different types of chicken?

Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast, poached chicken, or leftover roasted chicken. The key is ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and shredded into bite-sized pieces.

• How long can chicken salad stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, chicken salad remains fresh for 3-5 days. Always keep it chilled and discard if you notice any off smells or changes in texture.

• What can I add to make my chicken salad more interesting?

Try adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch, dried cranberries for sweetness, or fresh herbs like dill or chives for extra flavor. Experiment with different mix-ins to create your unique version.

What Makes This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe a Staple

• This chicken salad recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without stress.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding personal touches like nuts, dried fruits, or different herbs to match your taste preferences.
• Enjoy this chicken salad in multiple ways – stuff it in sandwiches, serve over crisp lettuce, pair with crackers, or use as a protein-packed party appetizer for gatherings.
• Packed with lean protein from chicken and boosted by Greek yogurt, this recipe offers a nutritious meal that keeps you satisfied and supports your wellness goals.

What Goes into Classic Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein base for the salad.

• Celery: Adds crunch and fresh texture.
• Red Onion: Provides sharp and zesty flavor.
• Grape Tomatoes: Optional fresh and juicy ingredient.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings herbal brightness to the dish.

• Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt: Creamy and tangy base for binding.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle spicy kick.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright and acidic balance.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings for enhancing overall flavor.

How to Mix Up Classic Chicken Salad Easily

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Prepare your chicken by boiling, baking, or grilling until it’s thoroughly cooked.

If you’re using a rotisserie chicken, shred it into delectable bite-sized pieces that will make your salad irresistible.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Ingredients

• Chopping crisp celery
• Finely dicing zesty red onion
• Halving sweet grape tomatoes (optional)
• Chopping fresh parsley for a burst of green goodness

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Tangy Greek yogurt
• Zesty Dijon mustard
• Fresh lemon juice
• Aromatic garlic powder
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, velvety mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Marry the Ingredients

Gently fold the shredded chicken, chopped vegetables, and parsley into the dressing.

Stir with love until every morsel is beautifully coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Chill and Savor

Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

This magical waiting time allows the flavors to mingle and intensify.

Serve your chicken salad on a bed of crisp lettuce, nestled between slices of bread, or alongside crunchy crackers.

Tips to Enhance Your Chicken Salad Flavor

• Use homemade chicken stock instead of water when boiling chicken for richer, deeper taste profile.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels before shredding to prevent excess moisture making the salad watery.
• Replace mayonnaise with mashed avocado or Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-calorie alternative that maintains creamy consistency.
• Prepare salad a day in advance to allow flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in more delicious results.
• Add toasted sliced almonds or chopped walnuts just before serving to introduce unexpected texture and nutty undertones.

How to Store and Serve Chicken Salad Later

• Transfer chicken salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep sealed tightly to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.
• Freeze the chicken salad without mayonnaise or yogurt, as these ingredients separate and become watery when thawed. Place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months.
• Gently warm refrigerated chicken salad in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, stirring halfway through. For best texture, consume cold or at room temperature.
• Defrost frozen chicken salad in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, add fresh mayonnaise or yogurt to restore creamy consistency before serving.

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp, fresh classic chicken salad dances with creamy mayo and crunchy celery, bringing summer picnic memories to life. Delightful served on crusty bread or crisp lettuce, this dish invites you to savor each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked chicken (shredded or diced)

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1/2 cup (118 ml) celery (chopped)
• 1/4 cup (59 ml) red onion (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup (59 ml) fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) grape tomatoes (optional, halved)

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (118 ml) mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (59 ml) plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Optional Serving:

• Lettuce leaves
• Sandwich rolls or bread

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Instructions

1. Prepare the protein by cooking chicken thoroughly through boiling, baking, or grilling until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and shred into uniform bite-sized fragments.
2. Finely dice celery and red onion into consistent small pieces. Slice grape tomatoes into halves if incorporating. Chop fresh parsley into delicate fragments.
3. Create a creamy dressing base in a spacious mixing vessel by blending mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Whisk ingredients until achieving a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
4. Gently fold shredded chicken, prepared vegetables, and chopped parsley into the dressing mixture, ensuring every ingredient receives an even coating.
5. Transfer the salad to a sealed container and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop depth. Serve chilled atop crisp lettuce leaves, between artisan bread slices, or accompanied by crisp crackers.

Notes

• Opt for poaching chicken breasts in seasoned broth for extra tender and flavorful meat that absorbs surrounding aromatics.
• Consider Greek yogurt as a healthier mayonnaise alternative, reducing calories while maintaining creamy texture and adding protein boost.
• Prepare ahead and store in airtight container for up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify during refrigeration.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg